1989 NLCS Game 5
A three-game lead vanishes in an instant, sealing another decade of heartbreak.
The 1989 National League Championship Series Game 5 stands as the defining tragedy of modern Cubs history. Played under the gray skies of Wrigley Field, this contest saw Chicago squander a commanding 3-1 series lead against the San Francisco Giants, turning a potential coronation into a heartbreaking loss that echoed for decades.
- Series Outcome
- San Francisco Giants win 4 games to 2
- Venue
- Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Key Moment
- Cubs' collapse in the bottom of the eighth inning following a throwing error by Shawon Dunston that sailed past third baseman Ron Cey
- Cubs Manager
- Don Zimmer
- Giants Manager
- Roger Craig
- Series Status Before Game 5
- Cubs led 3-1
Lore & Background
The San Francisco Giants, fueled by a resilient roster and managed by Roger Craig, refused to surrender. The game's pivot point arrived in the bottom of the eighth: with two outs and runners on first and second, Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston fielded a routine grounder but his throw to third sailed wildly past Cubs third baseman Ron Cey. In that split second, both runs crossed home plate. Moments later, the Giants added insurance runs to seal a 6-3 victory, shattering the Cubs' World Series hopes and completing one of baseball's most painful comebacks.
In Their Own Story
The wind whipped off Lake Michigan, swirling through the bleachers as the eighth inning began with the Cubs clinging to a fragile lead. The air felt heavy, static before the storm. Shawon Dunston scooped up a sharp ground ball, his eyes locked on second for the force out. He wound up and fired—a throw that should have been routine—but it skipped past third baseman Ron Cey's glove like a stone skipping water. The runner from first scored; the runner from second followed, turning the roar of 38,000 fans into a collective, suffocating silence. In the blink of an eye, the dream of '89 evaporated, leaving only the echo of Oakland's celebration and the crushing weight of history settling back onto the North Side.
Reader's Guide
The Athletics completed their stunning reversal with an 8-5 victory, sweeping the series in five games to advance to a World Series title interrupted by the Loma Prieta earthquake. For Chicago, this match remains the ultimate cautionary tale: a vivid reminder that in baseball, a single errant throw can erase months of glory and extend a championship drought for another generation.
Did You Know?
- The 1989 NLCS marked the last time the Cubs reached the postseason until 2003, ending a five-year drought that followed their 1984 appearance.
- Shawon Dunston's throwing error in the eighth inning is frequently cited as one of the most pivotal and painful moments in Chicago sports history.
- The Giants' victory propelled them to the World Series, where they faced the Oakland Athletics before the Loma Prieta earthquake interrupted the series.
- Leading 3-1, the Cubs became only the third team in MLB history at that time to blow such a series lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during 1989 NLCS Game 5?
This game marked the moment the Chicago Cubs lost a commanding three-games-to-one series lead against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. A late-inning collapse allowed San Francisco to win, forcing two additional games before ultimately clinching the pennant.
Why is Shawon Dunston remembered in this specific match?
Dunston committed a critical throwing error in the bottom of the eighth inning that sailed past third baseman Ron Cey. This mistake ignited a rally that erased Chicago's lead and shifted momentum toward San Francisco.
Who managed the teams during this series?
Don Zimmer led the Chicago Cubs while Roger Craig managed the opposing San Francisco Giants squad. Both managers oversaw a dramatic playoff battle that extended beyond the expected conclusion.
What was the final result of the 1989 NLCS?
After losing Game 5, Chicago could not recover as the San Francisco Giants won the series four games to two. This outcome denied the Cubs a trip to the World Series for another generation.
Where was this pivotal game played?
The contest took place at Wrigley Field in Chicago under overcast skies. It remains one of the most painful memories associated with that historic ballpark due to the missed opportunity.